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Majority of British forces to leave Iraq over next nine months

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Published Date: 15 August 2008
THE majority of British troops serving in Iraq will be withdrawn in the next nine months, it was reported.
Only a few hundred of the 4000 currently serving in the country would remain after spring 2009.

But a spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said that, while it was hoped that the UK's military presence in Iraq would "decrease significantly", it wa
s too early to put accurate numbers on any withdrawal.

And he added that conditions on the ground and the requests of coalition partners and Iraq's government would need to be taken into account.

Major General Barney White-Spunner, who has just returned from a six-month tour in southern Iraq, said that Prime Minister Gordon Brown's stated intention for a "fundamental mission change" would be able to "take place next year".

Last month Mr Brown told MPs: "Just as last year we moved from combat to 'overwatch', we would expect a further change in the first months of 2009."

The MoD spokesman insisted this was still the case, saying: "Although it is hoped that the UK military presence in Iraq will decrease significantly in the future, it is still too early to discuss the size and shape of a reduced UK forces footprint."





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  • Last Updated: 15 August 2008 9:45 AM
  • Source: Edinburgh Evening News
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Related Topics: Iraq , War in Iraq
 
1

The Former Mr. Angry,

Perth 15/08/2008 12:31:06
In other words "the war will be over by Christmas". Pick your year! But there'a get-out clause -

"...it is still too early to discuss the size and shape of a reduced UK forces footprint."

However with the still major commitment to the Afghan war, the troops will still be overstretched. Then there's the wild-card of Iran and a departing president. Not to mention the recent adventures in Georgia.
2

Alberto.,

17/08/2008 08:47:56
Sounds more like a bit of 'early electioneering' ie - basically 'something to say, but with no real meaning at all!'

Political promises are subject to being broken as and when required, or thought suitable to 'fit the occasion!' by this New Labour ‘set up!’

And that's the scene from 'allegedly' Honourable and Truthful Politicians, a kind of 'Lucky Dip, think of a number' way of running things!!!

I wonder how long before they realise 'It Don't Work?'
3

bluehead,

edinburgh 13/09/2008 11:49:26
they should never have been there to start with,let the politicians from all countries that have disputes
with each other line up and get stuck into each other,
with a bit of luck there would be none left, then we would all get some peace.

 

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